Best Ramen Restaurants in Downtown LA (90012)
7 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated
Notable Picks
#1
Daikokuya
8.7
Little Tokyo’s ramen institution known for a rich, pork-forward tonkotsu and steady execution despite the constant line. The cramped, high-energy room moves fast and feels like a neighborhood rite of passage.
Must-Try Dishes:
Daikokuya Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Pan-Fried Gyoza
What makes it special: A decades-running tonkotsu benchmark with massive, proven consistency.
8.6
A Hakata-style specialist where you customize noodle firmness, richness, and toppings for a bowl tuned to your taste. The tonkotsu is creamy and clean, and thin straight noodles arrive fast and springy. The bustling shop feels like a ramen workshop, and the high-volume crowd energy matches the food’s precision.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, Karaage Chicken, Yaki Ramen
What makes it special: Hakata customization plus proven excellence at huge review scale.
#3
Rakkan Ramen
8.3
Known for its lighter, plant-forward broths that still hit umami hard, with strong vegetarian and vegan lineups. Bowls are polished and consistent, and the dining room stays upbeat late into the night. A reliable pick for a modern, cleaner-feeling ramen craving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garnet Ramen, Spicy Garnet Ramen, Crispy Pork Gyoza
What makes it special: High-volume favorite for modern, plant-based umami ramen.
#4
Mr. Ramen
8.1
A long-running Little Tokyo counter spot that keeps things classic and comforting, from straightforward tonkotsu to curry-accented bowls. The vibe is no-frills and local, with quick service and a loyal neighborhood following. Ideal for an unfussy, budget-friendly ramen fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Curry Ramen, Gyoza
What makes it special: Legacy shop (since 1993) serving dependable bowls at fair prices.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A newer Little Tokyo outpost specializing in delicate dashi-based broths built from bonito and kombu, offering a lighter but deeply layered alternative to pork-heavy styles. The room is clean and modern, and the menu leans thoughtful with strong seafood and vegetarian options. Still early in its LA run, but execution is already firing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamaguri Clam Ramen, Spicy Miso Butter Corn Ramen, Green Gyoza
What makes it special: Seafood-dashi ramen focus that tastes elegant and light.
7.7
Tiny Tokushima-style ramen shop serving a deep pork-soy broth with sweet-savory punch. It’s a quick, satisfying stop when you want something richer than standard tonkotsu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tokushima Ramen, Butabara Pork Topping, Ajitama Egg
What makes it special: Rare Tokushima ramen style in LA.
#7
Ramen Maruya
7.6
A low-key plaza spot serving Hakata-style ramen alongside sushi and bento, with house-made noodles and a mellow, food-court-adjacent feel. Broth is classic and satisfying, and the menu breadth makes it great for groups with mixed cravings. Not flashy, but quietly solid.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen, Chashu Ramen, Ginger-Dressed House Salad
What makes it special: House-made noodles in a relaxed plaza setting.